Sweden sign off with impressive win over France

FRANCE drifted into the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, despite second-half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Sebastian Larsson providing a rousing Group D send-off for already-eliminated Sweden.

Laurent Blanc's men were second best throughout as they blew their big chance to emerge as group winners and, in the end, had England to thank for beating Ukraine and keeping them in the competition.

Ibrahimovic, pictured, struck a superb volley to give the proud Swedes a 54th-minute lead, then Larsson lashed home the second in injury time, much to the delight of the Swedish fans in Kiev.

France will now face reigning champions Spain in the last eight.

Erik Hamren's men, out after losing to both England and Ukraine, showed their intent from the start as they got forward well and fashioned their first chance with just three minutes.

Martin Olsson was allowed too much space on the left and floated a cross to Ola Toivonen, who outjumped the French defence but could only direct his free header over the crossbar.

The French were struggling to make much of an impact, perhaps too secure in the knowledge that their last eight spot was virtually secure.

Franck Ribery fed Karim Benzema who blazed the best French chance over the bar, but it was Sweden who continued to attack with more purpose, with Olsson in particular exploiting the space afforded him down the left.

Alou Diarra brought a simple save out of Isaksson, but just as France looked to be getting to grips with the game, the Swedes stole forward once again and claimed their richly deserved opener.

Toivonen saw a shot blocked by Hugo Lloris, then moments later Larsson delivered a drifting ball in from the right which Ibrahimovic met with a spectacular volley to crash the Swedes ahead.

Sweden made it two in injury time when Christian Wilhelmsson hammered Andreas Granqvist's cross against the crossbar and the ball rebounded for Larsson to ram home the simplest of chances.